Abstract:
A structural wideband multifunctional aperture and methods are presented. A ground plane grounds radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) electrical fields. A structural egg crate circuit board comprises a grid of circuit board planes coupled to the ground plane and perpendicular to the ground plane around open boxes. A signal feed-line is coupled to the structural egg crate circuit board and couple-able to a signal transmission line. A driven feed layer parallel to the ground plane is coupled to the signal feed-line and to a side of the structural egg crate circuit board opposite to the ground plane.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly that includes a plurality of separate and distinct antenna modules that are interconnected together to form an antenna layer. Each of the antenna modules may include a support structure including a core frame connected to a core support, and a backskin connected to one or both of the core frame and the core support. The antenna assembly may also include an alignment grid configured to receive and align each of the antenna modules, and/or a matching layer configured to receive and align each of the antenna modules.
Abstract:
A method of manufacture of antenna electronics attachment is disclosed. A nutplate is coupled to a mounting plate via a plurality of embedded fastening structures such that mechanical-electronic coupling means allow in-service change-out of an electronic component coupled to the nutplate.
Abstract:
A broadband stacked multi-spiral antenna array comprising two or more spiral antennas with a dielectric layer having a generally uniform thickness positioned between each pair of stacked antennas, which are all center-fed and in-phase. The antenna array may be embedded in a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass embedded in a resin, a honeycomb core sandwich, or structural foam, that may be used to form a structural element of a mobile platform. The structural element may include a via providing a pathway for coaxial cables. If two structural elements are hatch covers on the port and the starboard sides of an aircraft, the use of a stacked multi-spiral antenna array in each structural element provides two roughly hemispherical coverage patterns which together provide an omni-directional coverage pattern. The stacked multi-spiral antenna array may also include a reflecting cavity placed at the bottom of one of the spiral antennas.
Abstract:
An antenna includes an ion exchange material and at least one polymer member coupled to a communication circuit. The at least one polymer member is configured to, responsive to receiving a bias voltage, interact with the ion exchange material to change electrical conductivity of the at least one polymer member.
Abstract:
A broadband stacked multi-spiral antenna array comprising two or more spiral antennas with a dielectric layer having a generally uniform thickness positioned between each pair of stacked antennas, which are all center-fed and in-phase. The antenna array may be embedded in a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass embedded in a resin, a honeycomb core sandwich, or structural foam, that may be used to form a structural element of a mobile platform. The structural element may include a via providing a pathway for coaxial cables. If two structural elements are hatch covers on the port and the starboard sides of an aircraft, the use of a stacked multi-spiral antenna array in each structural element provides two roughly hemispherical coverage patterns which together provide an omni-directional coverage pattern. The stacked multi-spiral antenna array may also include a reflecting cavity placed at the bottom of one of the spiral antennas.
Abstract:
A frequency-selective composite structure includes a laminate panel, and a frequency-selective filter including a plurality of frequency-selective surface elements coupled to an exterior surface of the laminate panel and arranged in a frequency-selective surface pattern, wherein each one of the frequency-selective surface elements includes a nanomaterial composite.
Abstract:
An antenna electronics attachment system is disclosed. The antenna electronics attachment system includes a structural honeycomb panel having an array of cells. The antenna electronics attachment system further includes a nutplate coupled to a mounting plate via a plurality of embedded fastening structures. The mounting plate is shaped to fit substantially precisely to a cell of the structural honeycomb panel. The antenna electronics attachment system also includes an electronic component coupled to the nutplate. And, the antenna electronics attachment system further includes mechanical-electronic coupling means operable for change-out while in-service of the electronic component.